Visit of President H.E. Hamid Karzai to India
Joint Statement

At the invitation Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Mr. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is currently on a working visit to India.

2. President Karzai’s visit to India is symbolic, to express Afghanistan’s solidarity with the Government and people of India in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attack. The deplorable incident shows that terrorism is a threat to the entire humanity.

3. The leaders called for the full compliance with bilateral, multilateral and international obligations of States to prevent terrorism in any manner originating from territories under their control since terrorism emanates from the sanctuaries and training camps and the sustenance and support received by the terrorist groups.

4. While reviewing their robust, strategic partnership, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress in bilateral development and reconstruction projects in all parts of Afghanistan.

5. Prime Minister Dr. Singh conveyed to President Karzai that, following the completion of the road from Zaranj to Delaram in South-western Afghanistan, a second major infrastructure project, the Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul transmission line and the sub-station at Chimtala in Northern Afghanistan, will be handed over shortly to the Government of Afghanistan. The leaders expressed their satisfaction that the construction of the Afghan Parliament, a symbol of the common commitment of both countries to pluralism and democracy, has also begun.

6. Prime Minister Dr. Singh further conveyed that in order to help the fraternal people of Afghanistan in tiding over their current food crisis, India will gift Afghanistan 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat. The shipment will be effected immediately, as soon as the Government of Afghanistan has worked out its transportation arrangements.

7. President Karzai invited Prime Minister Dr. Singh for a State Visit to Afghanistan. The invitation was accepted with pleasure. The dates will be finalised through diplomatic channels.

8. The two leaders reaffirmed the special relationship between India and Afghanistan, to build a strong, united, and prosperous Afghanistan and to work towards peace, stability and development of the entire region.

New Delhi
January 12, 2009